Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
What is positive reinforcement dog training?
Positive reinforcement training is a modern, evidence-based way of training dogs. Sometimes referred to as force free dog training, it emphasizes the use of rewards to encourage dog behaviors we like – as opposed to relying on punishment of behaviors we don’t like. At Renaissance Hound, our approach is to work with you to teach your dog to prefer desirable behaviors over those you don’t like - achieving lasting results using individual concern and kindness.
Force free training means just that - training your dog without any punishment or force. Techniques that cause a dog fear, discomfort or pain are not necessary. In other words, yanking a leash, verbal punishment commands or shock training collars no longer need to form part of your dog training tool-kit. Rather, positive reinforcement training focuses on things dogs love (snacks, play, toys, affection, rewards) to reinforce good behavior. In conclusion, it’s better to reward the good than punish the bad.
Positive Reinforcement Approach Example:
Rewarding a dog for sitting politely when visitors appear at the door.
Punishment Based Approach Example:
Punishing the dog for jumping on visitors at the door by yelling, kneeing, spraying him in the face or yanking his collar.
How is science changing dog training?
In years past, many people believed that it was necessary to use harsh, dominance-based methods to teach dogs good manners. Many dog trainers would highlight the importance of dominating the dog, or “being the alpha”. A growing amount of scientific evidence suggests that this is neither required nor beneficial.
Dominant training methods can be both confusing and scary to dogs. Rather, a growing number of professional dog trainers are moving away from harsh methods and adopting more positive reinforcement training and force free training techniques. In other words, many trainers are now taking a gentler force free, reward-based approach to dog training - including obedience - because it works better.
Does force free training work for all dogs?
Force free training can be used to help any dog - puppy, young adult or old. Just like people, all dogs are different and some will require more training time than others. An excitable puppy, anxious rescue, or excitable new dog addition to the family may all respond differently but at the end of the day kindness, patience and a focus on rewarding the behaviors we want will win over old-school ways involving force, fear and pain.
When people want to learn something, we seek out teachers or experts. Similarly, working with a qualified dog trainer will help you achieve your training goals much faster. Take the time to make an informed decision when looking for a dog trainer near you. Ideally, look for a qualified professional, such as a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) with the right courses or classes to suit your dog.
At Renaissance Hound, founder and expert dog trainer Anna Pettersson has worked for years with positive reinforcement dog training techniques. Trained as a scientist in the field of genetics, Anna holds a PhD in Genetics and a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, a Pat Miller Level 3 Graduate, a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, a Certified Fear-free Pet Professional and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. She has helped numerous dog owners in the greater New York Metropolitan area, and around the world.
Which dogs benefit from positive reinforcement training?
Rescue dogs
Dogs from a breeder
Puppies
Adult, mature and senior dogs
Special needs dogs
Ways in which positive reinforcement training can help:
Teaching new skills (sit, stay, down, etc.)
Helping dogs settle in to a new home, whether puppies or adults
Modifying undesirable behaviors like jumping, barking or leash pulling
Resolving problems, e.g., fear or aggression
Learn how our Positive Reinforcement approach can help with your dog
How long does it take to train my dog?
As with any dog training method, the degree of progress and time it takes to train a dog varies. Like with any type of training, the success achieved with force free methods will depend on your dog and your specific training objective. Overall: time to results is at least as fast as with any other method, and outcomes just as good if not better. Also force free positive reinforcement methods do not require you to scare or hurt your dog in the name of showing them who’s the boss.
How to start training your dog
If you arlready have a dog, you should be aware that you are already training them. To be clear: any dog behavior that happens to be rewarded with food, scratches, praise and/or attention will happen more frequently, at the expense of others which are not.
So… You are already training your dog whenever you’re around them – whether you realize it or not.
Pro-Tip: Get in the habit of catching your dog in the act of being good and rewarding her handsomely for it, while trying to avoid inadvertently rewarding behaviors you may not want, such as jumping, begging, pulling on the leash or counter-surfing.
Find dog training experts
Once you decide to start with more formal training, look for a dog trainer or expert in your area. In addition, look for dog trainers near you that emphasize positive reinforcement dog obedience training as a method of choice. Ideally find a trainer who is properly credentialed by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or other similar reputable organizations. After that, ask about their training methods before you make any decisions. Most importantly: always be your dog’s advocate!
One-on-one Dog Training
One-on-one training sessions in a dog’s regular environment or home are a very effective way to teach new skills. Renaissance Hound offers an in-depth behavior consultation to familiarize with each dog’s specific needs, home surroundings and goals. This includes a follow up report and training plan that is tailored to each dog’s specific goals and situation.
Make Dog Training Fun
Dog training is supposed to be fun! First, make this process a rewarding way of spending time together with your dog. Second, set reasonable expectations, reward successes, laugh a lot with your dog, and don’t take things too seriously. And before you know it, the training successes you’re rewarded with will make you want to train even more!
Renaissance Hound Dog Training
At Renaissance Hound, we work with any dogs and their humans on the problems that matter the most to them. Similarly, we like to work in the location where the dog needs to learn. After an introductory conversation where we discuss your situation and dog training objectives we meet up for a first session. This consultation session lasts about 60 minutes (90 minutes if you choose an in-depth consultation). During this time, we clarify priorities, decide on a training plan and get started on some initial training objectives.
Following the session you will receive a written summary of our discussion and customized training plan. You have the option of adding additional sessions where we continue to work together. Price of training depends on the specific program or package you choose. Please contact us for details.